by Vic Davis
They passed on through and now approached a second line of defenses, these elevated and much more impressive. “We will have trouble up ahead!” warned Stinky.
“I see them,” replied Pilgrim. “I’ll handle them. Hopefully Groz has been able to do its part and find a good position.”
Stinky grunted. “I think we will need to reach the third line to use these pistols on the tower, perhaps even closer.”
“If they remain as indolent as they have so far, that should be feasible.”
Their dash proved successful beyond their most optimistic expectations. Pilgrim led the charge into the opening in the defensive line that functioned as the first serious checkpoint; the dozen or so Council soldiers tasked with standing guard were taken completely by surprise. Pilgrim and Zuur wasted no time in dealing with them: a few swings of a battered statue, a well-placed Fibonacci lash, a coup de grace of high energy tendrils; the Hegemon Commandos mopped up any of the disabled or those who tried to flee; none were successful.
“This luck can’t hold,” signaled Pilgrim glancing toward the next and last barricade. “They still seem oblivious to our attack. Is there no one standing lookout in those towers?”
“Quickly, we must advance to the final check point. There we can try our flow pistols,” replied Stinky.
They formed up again and made a wild sprint to the next line of defenses. The contingent of Council soldiers was larger this time but no wiser to the assault than the previous one. Just when Pilgrim thought their luck would end, Groz materialized suddenly at the exit of the checkpoint to dispatch two runners now belatedly concerned about their responsibilities to keep watch and warn the garrison.
“The towers must now come down,” signaled Stinky. “I fear however this will be tricky. We risk bringing them down on ourselves or worse blocking the slip point.”
“How is that worse?” chuckled Pilgrim. “We brought the rifle and some source-charge canisters just for that possibility.”
“Your point is taken, but I had hoped to be able to get out of their way should they choose to descend upon us.”
Zuur made a grumbling disturbance in the ether. “Must I become the only signal of reason in our little collective? You are both wasting precious time!”
Pilgrim now understood that their spectacular run of luck had worked some euphoric enchantment upon them. It was time to get down to business. “Stinky, you take the left one. I’ll take the right one.”
“Agreed!”
“The activating paradox is simple: the set of all sets which are not members of themselves.”
“Yes, I am quite aware of that. You focus on your tower. I will take care of mine.”
They pointed their pistols or wands, as Zuur like to call them, at a tower, activated the trigger mechanism, then invoked the paradox. The results were almost immediate: a rumble in the ether, then a growing vibrational energy building slowly, finally a violent shaking until the towers separated from the surface of the flow at their bases.
Their trajectories were determined by the most subtle flick of the pistols by their owners’ tendrils. The tower targeted by Stinky seemed at first to be headed in the correct direction until some unanticipated force twisted the top of the tower off; it fell slowly toward the slip point entrance. The exact same dramatic wrenching of the top of the tower played out on the other side as well. The decapitated heads of the towers met in a spectacular collision above the slip point entrance falling slowly to the floor of the flowscape creating an impassable barrier of rubble in a most dramatic fashion; a cloud of flow particulate began to rise to the ceiling dividing at the slip point into one or the other adjacent nodes; Pilgrim found the effect peculiarly beautiful.
“Well, that could have gone better,” signaled Pilgrim disconsolately surveying the wreckage.
“We need to get that rubble cleared. The army is on its way,” advised Stinky.
“Pilgrim focused its transom back down the way they had come to verify the assertion. It was true: Vinks had ordered the column forward and even now they were approaching the first barrier.
“We’ll use the rifle. We have neither charges nor time for a proper demolition,” signaled Stinky. Pilgrim took the artifact rifle from Zuur who had not made so much as a grumble about being a valet or personal weapons locker.
They hovered forward a short distance down the road to get closer look at the slip point and the blockage. Stinky was concerned. “I hope this doesn’t cause any strange interactions like that voiding of yours Pilgrim. We might get something worse than a storm.”
“We don’t have much choice at this point,” signaled Pilgrim. “We need to get through this slip point now, one way or another. If we are lucky, there is not much on the other side trying to rally against us.”
“I can’t see anything at which to aim. Can you?”
“It doesn’t matter at this range,” replied Pilgrim. “I’ll just try to play the beam across the entrance area. Judging by its previous efficacy, it should be more than enough.”
“Swing it across this last line of defenses as well,” suggested Stinky. “In case there are any troops hiding within. You never know.”
“Well, here goes,” announced Pilgrim. The rifle powered by its paradox activated: a devastating stream of destructive information issued from the tip of the artifact vaporizing everything in its path. Pilgrim played the beam back and forth across the slip point entrance., then turned to sweep the defensive lines on either side. The artifact sputtered and stopped: it was empty.”
“My Librarian advises that the weapon is depleted. It may now be discarded,” announced Pilgrim. “The pistols are nearly empty as well.”
“Well, that is disappointing. They don’t really hold that much charge or whatever powers them, do they?” lamented Stinky.
“Apparently not. But with some luck the way is now clear, and we can worry about the next slip point defense later.”
Stinky turned to look back down the road. “Vinks and the army are almost here. I think we should wait for them before we attempt the crossing.”
“Yes, I see them now. It’s hard to miss Breaker and Xodd advancing side by side. They rival or exceed Zuur in stature and fierceness.”
Zuur obliged Pilgrim’s friendly jab with its well-known howl of laughter. “Put together they would not be half the entity that we are.”
“They certainly do not have your culinary skills,” agreed Stinky with a snicker. “But they are also not half as irritable either. It is a difficult comparison.”
Pilgrim readily agreed. Zuur had no further opinion on the matter. They waited in silence for their comrades to arrive. The vanguard of the assault column arrived moments later led by Breaker. Xodd commanded a small group from its own company including Malador and Block. They wasted no time celebrating their successes. Instead, they pushed grimly on into the shrouded breach: Stinky, Pilgrim, Zuur, Breaker and Xodd at the fore.
They discovered immediately that the way had been cleared in a spectacularly efficient fashion: the beam had disintegrated everything in its path. Moving forward, they felt the transition into the adjacent node; then suddenly, after a short distance, the dust lifted to reveal the rear area of the enemy fortification: an open area bounded on three sides by barracks, cantonments, and supply buildings. Pilgrim discerned the most important detail immediately: there was a greeting party assembled to welcome them.
A thunderous crack in ether announced a volley a charge lance fire from the far side of the open space: two dozen Council fusiliers firing in unison. Stinky reacted instinctively: a shimmering barrier appeared directly in front of the assault party in the shape of a large, rounded shield; the projectiles left contrails in the ether as they crossed the distance to impact harmlessly against the barrier scattering in a multitude of directions.
There was a mighty shout in the ether: an utterance of rage and murderous intent. Pilgrim caught a glimpse of Xodd barreling forward on its left flank driving headlong toward the enemy li
ne of sharpshooters. Stinky shouted desperately: “Stay behind the shield,” but Xodd was already away. Pilgrim shrugged and charged forward as well; the remaining friendly troops in the column following them now pushed forward and around Stinky in a mad dash to reach the enemy before they could reload. Stinky quickly dropped its shield.
They were halfway across the open space when Pilgrim saw their second line form up, drifting through gaps in the now furiously reloading first line; a second volley was imminent. Pilgrim accelerated its informational processing and “teleported” the distance to the enemy formation. A quick deceleration to normal processing followed by a twisting Fibonacci lash down the length of one side of the enemy formation wrought havoc among the enemy ranks: severed battle forms, burnt and singed form walls, ruined charge lances.
A ripple of confusion was sent coursing down the remainder of the enemy’s battle line accompanied by a shout of dismay bordering on pure panic; an officer with a baton hovered forward to identify the cause of the disturbance. Pilgrim dashed forward to pierce it with two high energy tendrils. Some of the nearby enemy stood firm drawing short lances to repel Pilgrim’s attack; the main body of the vanguard of Vinks’ army now arrived and a general melee ensued: a short, brutal close combat that could have only one outcome.
The fighting for the rear area of the fortification ended almost as quickly as it had begun. Breaker was intent on ascertaining if any Council runners had been dispatched to warn the garrisons of the two major cities in the node or Instrumentality itself. Groz was already at the kennel, having arrived after helping take the last checkpoint; the stables were empty of runners but still seemingly full of mounts; had any managed to escape? It was impossible to say.
Xodd led a group of its company back and forth across the battlefield dispatching wounded Council soldiers with a quick blow of its war club. Pilgrim watched the former Council general perform its violent ministrations with a completely dispassionate mien. It almost looked like Xodd felt it was doing them a favor. Some of the Hegemon Commandos now joined in to help finish up the work.
Stinky noticed Pilgrim’s fascination. “It has ever been so. Mistress eventually gave up trying to prohibit it, or even discourage it. Most of the wars fought by these source-beings among themselves have been just as brutal. I’m ashamed to admit that we have failed spectacularly to inculcate any semblance of a moral martial code. After the Mesmer wars, we tried to stay out of their politics and war making. Well, most of us.”
“It’s almost as if they know deep down that they will go back to some storage space within Etheria’s polytope only to be reconstituted again as raw source. Are they then recycled back into the source-being ecology? What has happened to their consciousness? It is a strange proposition. I should have asked more specific questions. Or perhaps I did, and I still don’t understand. I’m not sure if my memory or my understanding is failing me.”
“Odnir’s plan was rushed and hastily executed. So much has been left to chance. But we have more pressing concerns than such lofty philosophical ruminations. We must focus our efforts on salvaging this world. Then later we can worry about its moral deficiencies.”
Pilgrim could find nothing to disagree with in Stinky’s ranking of priorities. They set about salvaging what they could from the supply buildings while the storm rider vehicle was brought up and carefully transported through the rubble strewn slip point. The army quickly sorted itself out and reformed straddling the Pilgrim’s Road. A direct path now led straight to Instrumentality via one final slip point and its fortifications.
Vinks called a command meeting just prior to the resumption of their march. The general looked tired but amused at the continuation of their run of good luck. “We are almost there. We must now push forward down the Pilgrim’s Road through a gauntlet of sorts: on one side the city state of Citu; on the other the city state of Virs. Both will have substantial garrisons. We can hope that neither is alert to our presence and that the Council has not planned some grand ambush. There is certain to be a large army in Instrumentality. Captain Xodd has confirmed such a fact: an elite formation that numbers perhaps as much as ten thousand.
“We will divide into three groups and an assault squad to cross this node. I will command the main force that will lead the advance. This center group will envelope and protect our assault squad, which will eventually be tasked with breaking into Instrumentality and its citadel. The storm rider vehicle and the majority of our wagons loaded with source-charge canisters will naturally accompany this group. Commander Breaker will be in charge.
“There will be two wing groups as well. Adjutant Tencius will lead the left flank and Master Sergeant Bleaks will lead the right flank. Their objectives will be to prevent any enemy forces from hindering the advance of the center group.
“Adjutant Tencius will provide you all with your assignments. Are there any questions?”
There was a slight pause, then one of the company commanders that Pilgrim did not recognize spoke up: “Sir, what do we know about the terrain in this node? The flanking formations will not be able to advance with the same ease as that of the main assault group using the road. How will we keep formation?”
“Good question, captain. The main group traversing the Pilgrim’s Road, will contain all our supply wagons as well as the storm rider vehicle, which itself is cumbersome and slow. We will push the Drothgar hard, but I do not foresee the covering groups having any problem keeping up; the flowscape is mostly level and free of major obstructions on both sides.
“We now have a modest cadre of Trissa, so runners will be used to relay reports and maintain communications. Scouts will naturally be sent ahead in multiple directions to probe for enemy threats. If we are lucky—” Vinks paused as if to placate some nebulous superstitions. “Then we might very well escape notice as we drive to the final slip point.”
Another officer spoke up: “How will we supply ourselves without our own wagons?”
Vinks had been expecting the question. “You won’t. Each soldier will carry rations for 4 cycles. There will be designated supply bearers accompanying each group as well. Make no mistake: it will be a tough march. If battle is offered, it will be even more difficult. But the objective is not to defeat the enemy: only to harry, distract and delay. Both groups will attempt to rendezvous at the slip point if they are able; otherwise, they should make their way back to Urta’s Rest and reform.”
Xodd’s booming signal now commanded everyone’s attention. “And if we meet a Council army head on coming down the Pilgrim’s Road? What then?”
Vinks grimaced. “Depending on the size and power of the force that we confront, we fight, break through and make a dash for the slip point, which hopefully will be less well defended. It is a risk, no doubt. But the storm rider vehicle is a delicate conglomeration of ad hoc parts as you well know.
“If the force is judged too great to face, we move the vehicle off the road, leave it with its assault group and lure the enemy away from the road.”
Xodd grumbled but could find no fault with the logic of the plan. Still, it raised another obligatory objection, knowing the dice had already been rolled. “And how will you get the vehicle through the slip point. Besides the fortification garrisoned by the Grand Army, the one that leads to Indomitable, there is no more secure a fortification: barriers, fortified bunkers, a veritable maze of entrenchments.”
“We’ll cross that obstacle when we get to it,” signaled Vinks, “But we intend to destroy the entire complex and instigate another ether storm that will provide cover for the final leg of the journey via the storm rider vehicle.”
Xodd made no response although it shifted its transom over to behold Pilgrim. The alien no doubt figured prominently in whatever it was they had in mind. Xodd had heard rumors from Block that the alien could catalyze some fantastical voiding of ether and flow with a mysterious technique that required source-charges.
There was a brief silence. Vinks nodded its form walls in approval. “Very wel
l. If there are no further questions, let us get underway. Good luck to everyone! We will see you all at the slip point in roughly four cycles.”
The group dispersed without even a murmur; farewells were said quickly and without exaggerated emotion. Vinks departed to lead the center column from the vanguard, while Pilgrim, Breaker, Stinky, Zuur and Xodd headed over to where the storm rider vehicle now waited in the center of the column.
Voor and Codex joined them as they approached the vehicle. The two were inseparable as always. Pilgrim noticed Stinky’s form walls stiffen as they approached. There were clearly unresolved issues deep below the surface that would probably never be addressed.
“Greetings, Master Breaker. I take it we are about to get underway?” signaled Voor.
“Precisely so, Pilgrim Voor. We enter the final stage of this campaign. Your assistance in the assault group is most welcome.”
“We are not fighters like our other part Zuur there, but we will help however we can. Codex assures me that it has everything under control and will assist as well.”
“This whole thing might not end well,” cautioned Breaker. “Perhaps you should remain here to organize what is left if we fail?”
Voor seemed amused by the suggestion. “Come now Master Breaker! We both know what confronts us: an all or nothing gamble that will decide the fate of this world. Nobody can sit this one out. Perhaps my skills are no longer very useful, but we will be there to witness our victory or our defeat.”
Breaker nodded and the proceeded to the assembly area. As they reached the vehicle, Pilgrim noticed two familiar ovoids: Lacks and Steadfast hovering near the closest wagon. Steadfast was playing some type of game moving in and out of the center of the dead zone created by the four wagons. Pilgrim could detect Lacks giving Steadfast a lecture. “It won’t work now, and you won’t feel anything. The wagons are all lined up without their tethers; the geometry isn’t right.”
